About the Detroit auto show

Shelby American is getting back into the pocket rocket business with the debut of the Shelby Focus ST at the Detroit auto show. The move recalls the era when Carroll Shelby turned Dodge subcompacts into tire-smoking machines.

Shelby also used the Detroit show to unveil a wide-body version of the GT500 Super Snake wide body.

Shelby fans will recall that in 1986 Carroll Shelby worked his magic on the Dodge Omni GLH hatchback. Shelby and his team modified the 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to produce 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in a quick-for-the-time 6.5 seconds. The Shelby GLH-S -- which originally stood for “Goes Like Hell Shelby” and was more commonly known as “Goes Like Hell S'more”-- proved that a front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback could be tuned for serious performance.

Flash-forward to the Shelby Focus ST, based on the high-performance Ford Focus ST. It has been tuned to produce more than 300 hp while still getting up to 40 mpg, according to Shelby American. Handling has been improved from the stock Focus ST via Ford Racing suspension parts to lower the car, along with new wheels and tires for better grip. Shelby spec brakes provide the stopping power, while the Shelby/Borla exhaust gives the Focus ST a distinct sound.

Inside, the car has a custom Shelby-branded interior with a Shelby shifter and Shelby CSM badge.

The Shelby package adds $14,995 to whatever you pay for a Ford Focus ST. Shelby American will limit production to 500 units per year.

On the other side of the Shelby performance car spectrum sits the 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake wide body. The stock 662 hp of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is increased to 850 hp -- the same as previous Super Snakes -- but the new wide-body option helps to better put that massive power to the ground, according to Shelby American.

The option adds 10-inch-wide front wheels and 13-inch-wide rear wheels that give the Super Snake more traction. Buyers can choose between a rear-only or front-and-rear wide-body package, the company says.

The cost of the GT500 Super Snake upgrade starts at $28,995 for the 662-hp package and $39,995 for the 850-hp version, not including what you pay to buy the Mustang Shelby GT500 in the first place. The new wide-body option adds another $14,995.

The annual North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit auto show, has maintained its place as a barometer for the entire industry. For 2013, NAIAS takes place Jan. 14-27 and will host concept cars, green cars and supercars from all the major automakers, including what's expected to be a highlight this year: the new 2014 Chevroelt Corvette. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Detroit auto show here.